Doomscrolling habit threatens sleep, focus among Indian youth

The phenomenon of 'doomscrolling'—compulsively consuming endless streams of content on social media platforms—has emerged as a significant concern affecting daily routines across India. The practice, characterized by mindless browsing through reels, loops, and other short-form video content, has become an ingrained habit for millions of users seeking leisure time activities.

Health professionals and digital wellness experts point to measurable impacts on users' well-being. Prolonged late-night scrolling sessions are disrupting sleep cycles, diminishing focus during work and study hours, and reducing overall productivity levels. The stimulating nature of algorithmic feeds designed to maximize engagement creates a self-reinforcing cycle that users find increasingly difficult to abandon.

Generation Z appears most vulnerable to doomscrolling patterns, spending extended periods in what researchers describe as compulsive browsing loops. The younger demographic faces particular difficulty in disengaging from these habits, given their digital-native backgrounds and the sophisticated design mechanisms employed by social media platforms to retain user attention.

Digital wellness advocates suggest that awareness of the behavioral patterns underlying doomscrolling represents the first step toward change. Setting specific time boundaries, utilizing app limitation tools, and cultivating alternative hobbies during leisure time are among the strategies recommended for users seeking to reclaim their attention and improve overall well-being. As screen-based activities continue reshaping daily life, managing consumption habits has become an essential skill for maintaining mental health and productivity.